Gas prices have inched up slightly over the last few days but remain relatively stable, with today’s national average price for regular unleaded gasoline at $2.32 per gallon. Today’s average price is up 3 cents compared to one week ago, providing drivers with a savings of 4 cents per gallon month-over-month.

Virginia drivers are paying an average of $2.06 a gallon, up two cents from a week ago.

Retail averages have declined 48 cents per gallon since reaching the 2015 peak price of $2.80 per gallon on June 15. Barring any major disruptions in supply, the national average is expected to move lower by the end of the year, and for the first time since 2009, could fall below the $2 per gallon benchmark.

“Gas prices tend to move lower during the autumn and winter months due to seasonal declines in both driving and gasoline demand, and pump prices have fallen during the month of October for three years in a row,” said Martha Meade, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Despite upcoming seasonal refinery maintenance, there should still be more than enough gasoline to meet demand because people tend to drive less this time of year.”

While gas prices typically drop during autumn and winter months, there could be some hiccups due to seasonal refinery maintenance. This autumn’s refinery maintenance season is expected to be heavier than in years past because refineries ran at such high rates during the summer. Retail averages in some regions could temporarily rise during this maintenance period, yet prices in most areas should remain relatively low compared to recent years.

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Augusta Free Press launched in 2002. The site serves as a portal into life in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia – in a region encompassing Augusta County, Albemarle County and Nelson County and the cities of Charlottesville, Staunton and Waynesboro, at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail.